Thanksgiving is known for its comforting, carb-filled sides—many of which are delicious but not exactly friendly to your teeth. While enjoying your favorite foods in moderation is perfectly fine, it helps to know which dishes can increase your risk of cavities, enamel erosion, or gum issues. Here are 4 popular Thanksgiving side dishes that may not be the best choices for your oral health and why.
1. Candied Yams
Candied yams are a holiday staple, but their combination of sticky marshmallows, sugar, and soft baked sweet potatoes makes them a cavity-causing powerhouse. Sticky foods cling to the grooves of your teeth and are difficult to rinse away, giving cavity-causing bacteria plenty of fuel. The added sugar only increases the risk.
Smarter choice: If you can’t resist this sweet dish, try to pair it with water and brush soon after the meal to help remove residue.
2. Stuffing
Stuffing may be savory, but it’s typically made from bread, broth, and butter—ingredients that easily break down into sugars once they hit your mouth. When bread-based dishes get lodged between your teeth, they feed harmful bacteria, increasing the likelihood of decay. Many stuffings also include dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, which add sticky, sugary elements to the mix.
Smarter choice: Choose stuffing without dried fruit, and follow it with crunchy vegetables to help naturally clean your teeth.
3. Cranberry Sauce
Bright, tangy, and full of flavor, cranberry sauce also packs a punch of natural and added sugars. Its acidity softens enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to stains and erosion. Combine this with the sauce’s sticky texture, and it becomes a perfect storm for oral health issues.
Smarter choice: Opt for homemade cranberry sauce with less added sugar and rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize acids.
4. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, comforting mac and cheese is a favorite across generations, but it’s not the best for your teeth. Its soft, sticky consistency tends to cling to enamel, and refined carbohydrates break down into sugars quickly. Many recipes also use acidic cheeses that can weaken enamel over time.
Smarter choice: Enjoy in moderation and pair with protein-rich foods, like turkey, to help counteract the stickiness.
Thanksgiving sides don’t have to be off-limits—you can still enjoy them while taking simple steps to protect your oral health. Drink plenty of water, wait 30 minutes before brushing, and chew sugar-free gum after meals to help reduce the impact of these smile-unfriendly dishes. With a few mindful choices, you can savor the season while keeping your teeth healthy and bright.
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White Clay Dental welcomes ages 1-100 for preventive dental care! Routine checkups are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we can offer – dental sealants, nightguards, and athletic mouthguards are also included. Our all-digital X-rays mean low radiation exposure, and you’ll enjoy working with our compassionate and family-friendly team. If it’s been 6 months or longer since your last checkup, schedule an appointment online or call (302) 731-4225.